Pulling a Motor...

Pilot bearings are a WHORE! I'm not sure about the older mazdas.. but the kit from Discount came w/ a new Pilot Bearing. If your kit dosen't include it.. i think its like 8 dollars. But have fun getting the old one out. I actually made my own removal tool w/ a couple bolts and a couple washers. It was the biggest PITA!
Mike

while you have the motor / tranny out, check the rear main seal, also the flywheel as mentioned before for both wear, hot spots, and worn or missing gear teeth, deffinately get a new pilot bushing, i'd drain & flush the tranny fluid & put in some new fluid, don't go with a synthetic as the higher detergent level will eat your seals....when putting it back together, use some mid grade locktite (not thread locker) on the bolts for the flywheel....no greasy finger prints on the flywheel surface, or the clutch disc, check the shifter fork to see if it is cracked or damaged in any way, also might want to replace your slave cylinder too....just a few notables, with your pops having what experience he does, you've got your foot in the door already, & it is kool that he is helping you out with it! keep us posted on how it goes!

I also did mine ('89) in the driveway on jack stands. Was a piece of cake. Got free loaner tool from local parts store and replaced the pilot bearing w/o any problems.

Replace the rear seal on the transmission while its out.

thanks man, ya we already replaced the slave cyclinder, but I appreciate all the feedback guys it really helps. We should be cracking down on this beast on saturday all day. Bright and early and I hope to have it back out saturday night draggin down the road.